Glendale, CA – Sona Armenian holds record as the oldest woman in the world to summit Pico de Orizaba, the highest point in Mexico (and the third highest in North America).

She claimed this title on February 20, 2016 at age 67 years, two months, and fourteen days.

Sona was part of a team of five climbers from the Armenian Hikers Association and Armenian Hiking Society to attempt the climb of Orizaba, an imposing volcano. Only she and two others, Arthur Barsegyan and Bob Masucci, succeeded.

Also known by its Nahuatl (language of the Aztecs) name, Citlaltépetl – star mountain – Orizaba, at 18,491 feet (5,636 meters) above sea level, is glaciated on its northerly flanks, from where climbers approach the summit. The peak itself was largely snow free, but the ice was very challenging, hard and broken up, requiring much work with each step.

“It was the hardest climb of my life, but I was thrilled by it. I’m glad that Armenians’ involvement in the mountains is increasing,” observed Sona while thanking her husband for his endless support. AHA members are proud to hike with such a role model for young women.

Three years ago, Sona Armenian was a founding member of the Armenian Hikers Association, and has since joined the Armenian Hiking Society as well. She has summited Mount Ararat in 2006 and Mount Kilimanjaro (highest peak in Africa) in 2012 as well. Coincidentally, both are stratovolcanoes, like Orizaba.